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A platter of traditional Ethiopian dishes at Amsale Cafe in West Philadelphia includes, clockwise from bottom center, kitfo and cottage cheese, gomen collard greens, shiro wot, lamb qey wot, cabbage, beef alcha, beef awaze, lamb tibs awaze, lamb tibs alcha.
A platter of traditional Ethiopian dishes at Amsale Cafe in West Philadelphia includes, clockwise from bottom center, kitfo and cottage cheese, gomen collard greens, shiro wot, lamb qey wot, cabbage, beef alcha, beef awaze, lamb tibs awaze, lamb tibs alcha.Read moreCraig LaBan / Staff
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Amsale Cafe

Featured on The 76
West PhiladelphiaEthiopian, BYOB$$

West Philly has several excellent Ethiopian spots — Tedla Abraham’s long-standing neighborhood restaurant and bar, Abyssinia, offers doro and kik wots, lamb alicha, and gomen, all served family-style till 2 a.m. — but there’s nothing quite like Amsale Cafe, or its magical injera. The spongy bread’s elasticity and strength make all the difference in soaking up every immaculately spiced plate, including chef Gomege Achamyeleh’s deliriously good rendition of kitfo, a traditional dish made with raw minced beef. Order the meat and vegetarian combos and her husband, co-owner Bellew Asfa, will neatly assemble the two combos into an enormous round platter, perfect for sharing inside this 28-seat BYOB.

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The Inquirer aims to represent the geographic, cultural, and culinary diversity of the region in its coverage. Inquirer staffers and contributors do not accept free or comped meals — all meals are paid for by the Inquirer. All dining recommendations are made solely by the Inquirer editorial staffers and contributors based on their reporting and expertise, without input from advertisers or outside interests.

Restaurant Details

4817 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19139
(215) 397-4420
https://amsalecafe.com
cafeamsale
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